Dated “Camp Alabama, Oct. 5 [1862]”. Addressed to Julia St. Clair. Norristown, PA.  4 pp, in ink on lined paper, 5” x 7.75. Exhibits fold-marks, else VG. In protective sleeve, accompanied by documentation.

Jacob Steinmetz enlisted as a private in Co. “C”, 15^th pa cavalry, 8/22/1862, and was mustered out, 6/21/1865. His unit saw service in the Western theater, and participated in the Battle of Stones River , Missionary ridge and Wilson’s huge cavalry raid near the end of the war. He was mustered out 6/21/1865.

Julia St. Clair (1842-1864) was a great -grand daughter of Revolutionary General Arthur St. Clair. It seems also certain that Jacob Steinmetz was romantically linked with Julia, but in 1864 or 1865, she died. Jacob’s last letters to her are ones asking why she hasn’t written to him. Steinmetz would remain a bachelor to his death in 1893.

Text summary: In this letter Steinmetz writes that he didn’t get to see all the people he would see on his furlough, because “The time of his furlough just slipped quietly round, and Saturday found him.” He says he found the old Camp a great deal larger than when he left and that there are now 1000 men in Camp. Rumor has it that two companies are to leave soon but no one knows which ones nor where they are headed. He hopes he is in that group. He says the war will soon be over and that “if our officers are not smart, the Anderson Troop will not have a hand in the sport.” He asks her to write soon.”  [JP]

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